High demand has caused wait times for Global Entry interviews to go on for months or even years.
In some cases the process can take up to 18 months to complete, according to Customs and Border Protection.
An "unprecedented" increase in application submissions is what Customs says it received in July for Global Entry and Sentri.
Capacity reductions at the centers are making it harder to get appointments.
Travelers returning to the U.S. are able to re-enter after a short visit to a kiosk without having to wait in line. Individuals must submit an application and undergo a background check to become a Global Entry member. They need to make an appointment for an interview at an enroll center after receiving approval.
A Global Entry membership lasts for five years. Not all renewing members are required to interview again.
Since Customs resumed accepting applications in September 2020, there have been delays for Global Entry Interviews. The U.S. Travel Association was not happy with the agency's slow progress in fixing the situation.
The trade group's executive vice president of public affairs and policy said that waiting a year for a Global Entry interview appointment is unacceptable. The average amount of time it took to apply for a U.S. tourist or business travel visa in July was more than 200 days.
The programs are critical to spurring the full return of the travel industry. The Department of Homeland Security should prioritize these programs by increasing staffing and using modern technology.
Customs said in a statement that it is taking technology-based actions to meet increased demand for trusted traveller programs. Some renewing Global Entry members can take part in a pilot program in which they can do their interview via video teleconference.
There are a few ways to avoid a long wait for an interview. One way to take advantage of the Enrollment on Arrival option is to apply for Global Entry when you arrive in the US from overseas.
If applicants are willing to travel to an enroll center outside of their hometown, they can get earlier interview appointments.
Appointment Scanner is a private service that continuously monitors the Customs website for openings that result from cancellation of interviews, then sends push notifications to subscribers. One month of appointment scanning costs $29.
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